Oxford, England, August 15, 2025
News Summary
Amal Clooney has been appointed as a visiting professor of practice in international law at the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government. Returning to her alma mater, she aims to leverage her extensive expertise in human rights law to enrich the academic experience for future global leaders, while engaging in critical discussions surrounding justice and ethics. Clooney’s remarkable background includes founding the Clooney Foundation for Justice and authoring significant legal texts. Her appointment is anticipated to elevate the school’s research and teaching capabilities, fostering advancements in international law.
Oxford, England
Amal Clooney has been appointed as a visiting professor of practice in international law at the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government. The respected human rights lawyer known for her involvement in high-profile legal cases will contribute her extensive expertise to the academic community of one of the world’s leading universities.
Clooney, who graduated from St Hugh’s College, Oxford with a BA in jurisprudence in 2000, expressed her enthusiasm for returning to her alma mater in a new capacity, now as a professor instead of as a student. Her time at Oxford was marked by notable achievements, including the Exhibition scholarship and the Shrigley Award for excellence in her studies. She aims to foster relationships with future global leaders and engage in critical academic discussions about justice and human rights.
According to Ngaire Woods, the dean of the Blavatnik School, Clooney’s appointment is expected to significantly enhance the school’s research and teaching capabilities. Clooney’s previous experiences include a similar role at Columbia Law School. Her academic contributions also extend to her authored textbooks, including her award-winning work titled The Right to a Fair Trial in International Law, which has been cited in judicial proceedings, including by the UK Supreme Court.
In addition to her academic achievements, Clooney is the co-founder of the Clooney Foundation for Justice, which focuses on providing free legal aid in defense of free speech and women’s rights globally. She has participated in several significant legal battles, including advocating for the release of Al Jazeera journalists jailed in Egypt and representing Nadia Murad, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who faced persecution by the Islamic State.
Earlier this year, the Blavatnik School of Government announced that former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak would join its World Leaders Circle, indicating the institution’s continuous commitment to engaging prominent figures in global governance discussions.
In a separate initiative, the University of Oxford is currently digitizing correspondence between Amal and her husband, actor George Clooney, as part of a larger archive project to explore the impact of personal correspondence on public life. The Clooneys reside in a Grade-II listed home near the Berkshire-Oxfordshire border and share seven-year-old twins, Alexander and Ella, balancing their family life with their respective professional responsibilities.
Background on Amal Clooney
Amal Clooney is widely recognized both for her incredible legal acumen and her passionate advocacy for human rights. Serving as an inspiration to many, she merges her career with her personal life as a public figure, actively engaging in various legal causes and representing clients worldwide. Clooney’s work has made her a prominent figure in international law and justice reform, amplifying the voices of those who have faced injustice.
With her new role at the Blavatnik School of Government, Clooney is poised to shape the next generation of leaders and legal minds, emphasizing ethics and responsibility in governance and human rights advocacy.
Key Contributions
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Visiting Professor of Practice in International Law |
| Institution | Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford |
| Education | BA in Jurisprudence from St Hugh’s College, Oxford |
| Notable Works | Award-winning book “The Right to a Fair Trial in International Law” |
| Major Initiatives | Clooney Foundation for Justice |
| Personal Life | Resides near the Berkshire-Oxfordshire border with George Clooney and their twins |
FAQ
What is Amal Clooney’s new role at University of Oxford?
Amal Clooney has been appointed as a visiting professor of practice in international law at the Blavatnik School of Government.
What notable achievements does Amal Clooney have?
Clooney graduated with a BA in jurisprudence from Oxford and received the Exhibition scholarship and Shrigley Award for excellence in law studies.
What is the Clooney Foundation for Justice?
The Clooney Foundation for Justice provides free legal aid to defend free speech and women’s rights globally.
Who is the dean of the Blavatnik School?
Ngaire Woods is the dean of the Blavatnik School of Government.
What is the significance of Amal Clooney’s appointment?
Her appointment is expected to enhance the school’s research and teaching in international law and justice, contributing to the education of future leaders.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- BBC News
- Hello Magazine
- E! Online
- The Daily Beast
- Oxford Student
- Wikipedia: Amal Clooney
- Google Search: Amal Clooney
- Google Scholar: Amal Clooney
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Amal Clooney
- Google News: Amal Clooney
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